What causes pain in the front and back of the chest?

Generally, chest and back pain may be caused by physiological factors or pathological conditions such as angina pectoris, costochondritis, etc., and treatment should be based on the specific cause. The details are as follows:

I. Physiological Factors

Excessive fatigue, prolonged heavy physical labor, or intense exercise may lead to strain of the chest and back muscles, resulting in pain in the front and back of the chest area. It is recommended that patients rest adequately and apply heat therapy to the painful area as appropriate, which usually helps relieve symptoms.

II. Pathological Factors

1. Angina Pectoris

Angina pectoris is a clinical syndrome caused by a temporary imbalance between myocardial oxygen supply and demand, leading to myocardial ischemia. It typically presents with severe chest pain, shortness of breath, palpitations, and other symptoms. Patients are advised to take medications such as nitroglycerin tablets or isosorbide mononitrate capsules as prescribed by their doctor.

2. Costochondritis

Costochondritis refers to an inflammatory condition affecting the costal cartilage, commonly manifesting as chest pain and difficulty breathing. Patients are advised to take antibiotics such as amoxicillin capsules or cefaclor dispersible tablets as directed by a physician.

In addition to the above, other possible causes include cervical spondylosis, myocardial infarction, rib fractures, pneumonia, pulmonary emphysema, etc. Patients should seek timely medical attention when experiencing discomfort to avoid delays in treatment. Additionally, maintaining a light diet and ensuring adequate rest are recommended in daily life.